(Editor’s Note: The following article was procured from Sherburne County).

Sherburne County Parks prides itself in creating an outdoor environment that can be enjoyed by all in the community, whether one is two-legged or four-legged. Sherburne County wants to create a safe atmosphere for everyone to share.

Unfortunately, the parks department has seen an increase in parks users allowing their dogs to be off leash. Sherburne County Ordinance 227, enacted on June 12, 2018 sets forth regulations for the County Park System that are meant to protect wildlife and natural habitat, allow all users to feel safe and respect the private residents that are our neighbors.

The regulations clearly require that all pets must be on a leash of not more than six feet or under the control of a person by tether. Further, the ordinance requires dog handlers to clean up and properly dispose of excrement left by their pet.

Violation of the regulations set forth in the Ordinance is against the law, and individuals found in violation are guilty of a misdemeanor ($1,000 fine or 90 days in jail), punishable by law.

While Sherburne County Parks are dog friendly, none of them are designed as dog parks. Dog parks can be found in each city of the county and in several township parks. If one wishes to allow ones’ dog off leash, please consider checking out one of these other options.